Breaking Down NWSL Team Needs ahead of 2023 Draft
Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PSF) — The 2023 NWSL draft kicks off this Thursday, January 12 at 6pm ET. The draft begins with Angel City FC on the clock. The draft is full of impeccable talent to help with that. But what is each team in need of?
Angel City FC: With Christen Press and Sydney Leroux returning, ACFC is set at forward. Their defense is also strong under the leadership of veterans Ali Riley and Paige Nielsen. However, their midfield could use some strengthening. Savannah McCaskill has been their only dominant midfield force. With the first pick in the draft, Angel City could grab some fantastic midfield talent.
NJ/NY Gotham Football Club: Gotham made some huge moves this off season, signing defender Kelley O’Hara and midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, joining veterans Ali Krieger, Kristie Mewis, and Midge Purce. They’ve been focused on establishing balance in their roster. With the second pick in the draft, Gotham can round out their team. Their best plan of attack would be adding an attacking midfielder to help both the forwards and midfielders.
Orlando Pride: The Pride re-signed Brazilian star Marta during free agency and are ready for her return. Their attack has been fairly strong recently. However, since the loss of Ali Krieger, Ashlynn Harris, and Ali Riley at the end of the 2021 season, the defense has been disappointing. With the third pick of the draft, the Pride should draft some top defensive talent to help that back-line in 2023.
Racing Louisville FC: Starting just their third season in the NWSL, Racing is still trying to find their identity. They’ve managed to keep players like Emina Ekic, Emily Fox, and Katie Lund. However, they’re still searching for some back-line help. 2022 Captain Gemma Bonner left the club to play in her home country, England. A defensive midfielder or strong center back should be what they shoot for.
Portland Thorns FC: As the reigning NWSL Champions, the Thorns aren’t wanting for much right now. The Thorns issue comes with depth. Starters like Sophia Smith, Christine Sinclair, and Rocky Rodriguez could use some help once substitutes start coming in. The Thorns could benefit from any talent, so with their five picks, they should go for a variety of players, in particular an attacker and some defense.
North Carolina Courage: For the Courage, things are changing. Debinha, their star midfielder left the club, and it’s unsure how they’re going to fill the gap. They’ve been able to find some young talent in Brianna Pinto and Diana Ordonez, but there’s always room for more. Some young defensive midfield talent would be perfect for the Courage, especially to help Carson Pickett and Casey Murphy.
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Reds Stars: Chicago seems to need a little bit of everything right now. They’ve had a lot of players leave this offseason. They’ve retained USWNT stars Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson, but still need help. Midfield should be their top priority, given the loss of Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Morgan Gautrat. Once they’ve bolstered their midfield, help for Swanson should be their goal.
Houston Dash: Houston can benefit from a variety of things. Ebony Salmon could use some backup in the attack, and Shea Groom could use some help in the midfield. The Dash will also likely be impacted by this summer’s World Cup when internationals get called to New Zealand. The Dash should aim for some impressive midfield talent, both attacking and defensive midfielders.
Kansas City Current: The Current have already made a lot of off season moves, snagging some impressive free agents. They’ve also lost some backline talent, like Kristen Edmonds, who was instrumental in their finals run. Adding a center back and some defensive depth to complement their new midfield talent and the return of Lynn Williams, could give them a shot at returning to the championship and leaving with a win.
San Diego Wave FC: The Wave are in an interesting position, with their first pick being in a third round. They made history in their first season and have the talent to make another run. Their backline is strong, but it could be stronger. Even with NWSL Rookie of the Year Naomi Girma leading their defense, she could use some help. An outside back would be key for them.
OL Reign: The Reign won the NWSL Shield in 2022 and could do it again without a single change to the starting XI. They have a few free agents they’re still finalizing negotiations with. Their biggest concern is depth. Their starting XI is strong, but once they start to step off the field, the Reign can use some help, especially given the impending World Cup. The Reign should look to bolster their midfield.
Washington Spirit: The Spirit need help with their back line. They’ve lost three dominant backline players in the last year, most notably Kelley O’Hara. Their attack is solid, with Trinity Rodman, Ashley Hatch, and Ashley Sanchez. However, Emily Sonnett and Amber Brooks could use some help. Especially once this summer’s World Cup rolls around, if Emily Sonnett is called up to the national team. It'll be exciting to see the next round of talent join the NWSL!
Kelley Piper / Black and Red United
